How much more proof is needed than what we are currently witnessing on college campuses, that a curriculum on the lessons of the Holocaust and all genocides must be required in public K-12 schools? The strategy of propaganda to delegitimize, dehumanize, then destroy, which has been successful throughout history, is once again being used to manipulate the ignorant in order to target Jews. 

It is time we take a stand against hate. We must ensure our children are educated about these horrific events from our past so they can learn to recognize the warning signs, think critically, and question rather than blindly accept the lies and deceitful “branding” being used today, as this has been the strategy in every genocide.

11 million people were murdered during the Holocaust, including 6 million Jews and 1.5 million children. Yet a study by the Claims Conference found that 66% of millennials and younger could not identify what Auschwitz was. This lack of knowledge about one of history's most horrifying genocides is alarming, yet not surprising given how easily today’s youth are manipulated by cleverly devised narratives designed to marginalize a targeted group, in today’s case, Jews. 

In addition to teaching about the Holocaust, it is important that education on all genocides be included in school curriculums. From Armenia to Rwanda, millions have lost their lives due to mass atrocities fueled by hate and discrimination.

By mandating this education in all public K-12 schools across America, we can equip future generations with knowledge and empathy – two powerful tools needed to empower them to avoid becoming unwitting tools of a campaign of hate. Today, 26 states require the teaching of the Holocaust, but very few have a curriculum by which to teach it. As a result, there is no metric to determine what, if anything, is actually being taught. As we have seen, it does not appear to be even close to enough. 

Let us honor those who have suffered or perished during these atrocities by ensuring their stories are heard - not just as tales from our past but as lessons for our future. Please sign this petition today to let each State’s Governor and Department of Education know how critical it is that they immediately take action; let's make sure every child learns about the horrors of genocide and how to recognize the warning signs, so we can avoid raising the next generation of victims and bystanders.

Voices for Truth and Humanity
www.v4th.org